Dr. Jonathan Douglas Smith

Dr. Jonathan Smith is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Smith manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Smith manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Utilizing bedside diagnostics like chest X-ray, ultrasound, and arterial blood gas analysis to guide assessment.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Ensuring adequate lung re-expansion and pain control.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Smith manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Determining the need for further imaging or specialist follow-up based on the severity and nature of the injury.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with head injuries, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., GCS, cranial nerve exam) and application of clinical decision rules (e.g., Canadian CT Head Rule) to determine the need for CT imaging.
• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.

This list is not exhaustive. The Emergency Department is equipped to handle a broad spectrum of urgent health issues. If you believe you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest ER or call emergency services.

• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Performing therapeutic lumbar puncture in specific situations such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri).
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Expertise in managing potential complications associated with sedative and analgesic medications.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Assessment and management of abrasions, puncture wounds, avulsions, and minor to moderate thermal or chemical burns.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Smith are tailored to the immediate needs of patients in acute situations.

All emergency medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Queensway Carleton Hospital is situated in Thunder Bay's Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood. The hospital is conveniently located near the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. The hospital campus offers ample parking with designated spots for emergency access; visitors can follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The Emergency Department at Queensway Carleton Hospital is a high-acuity care environment, fully accessible to all patients, serving as a critical access point for urgent medical needs within the community. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure prompt, efficient, and effective emergency care for residents of Thunder Bay and surrounding areas.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Smith?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Smith, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., Dr. Smith is highly skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.

When should I see Dr. Smith in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

Dr. Smith and the Emergency Room team are best equipped to handle acute, severe, or potentially life-threatening medical conditions. For ongoing care, management of chronic illnesses (unless there's an acute exacerbation), routine check-ups, preventative health measures, prescription refills for stable conditions, and non-urgent health concerns, your family doctor is the most appropriate healthcare provider. They offer continuity of care and have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health history. If your condition is not an emergency, consulting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is generally recommended.

What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Smith works?

To help Dr. Smith and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Smith practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Smith, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?

When you arrive at the Emergency Room, a specially trained triage nurse will be one of the first healthcare professionals you see. Their role is to quickly assess the urgency of your medical condition based on your symptoms, vital signs, and a brief history. This assessment helps determine your priority for treatment relative to other patients. The triage nurse ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients are seen by an ER doctor like Dr. Smith as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Smith works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

Deciding between the ER and other care options depends on severity. The Emergency Room is the correct place for acute, potentially severe conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrolled bleeding. For ongoing health issues, minor ailments, or routine care, your family doctor offers continuity. Walk-in clinics can handle less severe acute issues. Dr. Smith and the ER staff are prepared for urgent and life-threatening situations; using the ER appropriately helps ensure timely care for those who need it most. If in doubt about a serious condition, seek emergency assessment.

Queensway Carleton Hospital
980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4

Hospital Main Line: (807) 684-6000

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Smith is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Emergency Room services are typically accessed by presenting directly to the Emergency Department or via ambulance (e.g., by calling 911) for urgent medical conditions. No direct referral is usually required to be seen in the ER by Dr. Smith or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Smith's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Smith-Jonathan-Douglas/0257758-91016